Ornamental panel for electronic devices

ABSTRACT

An ornamental panel for an electronic device to cover an operation area of the electronic device. It includes one or more magnetic member on one side corresponding to the operation area such that the ornamental panel is attracted to the operation area. The ornamental panel can be easily installed on the electronic device and removed quickly whenever desired.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional application No. 60/684,995 filed May 27, 2005.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

The invention relates to an ornamental panel, and particularly to an ornamental panel that can be attached to an electronic device through magnetic attraction.

2. Related Art

The typical electronic device is covered by ornamental elements to prevent exposure of too many mechanical or electronic elements that might detract from its appearance. The ornamental elements are mostly formed in ornamental panels to be fastened to the electronic device. They usually are fastened to the electronic device through screw bolts. Another fastening approach is latching. The ornamental panel has attachment pins on one side facing the electronic device to be directly latched on the electronic device. Such an approach makes installation and fastening faster. However, it is not desirable in the situation in which removal frequently occurs, since the attachment pins are easily damaged. Once damaged, the ornamental panel cannot be fastened to the electronic device, which is a big disadvantage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the aforesaid problems, the primary object of the invention is to provide an ornamental panel for electronic devices that is directly attached to an electronic device through magnetic attraction. Hence the ornamental panel can be removed and attached repetitively. As attaching and anchoring are accomplished through magnetic attraction, installation or removal is much easier.

To achieve the foregoing object, the ornamental panel for electronic devices according to the invention aims to cover an operation area of an electronic device. The ornamental panel has one or more magnetic members on one side corresponding and attachable to the operation area.

The ornamental panel also has one or more anchor struts on the side corresponding to the operation area. The anchor strut can be inserted into an anchor hole which formed on the operation area, while the ornamental panel is attracted to the operation area to enable the ornamental panel to be anchored precisely on the operation area.

The ornamental panel of the invention can be removed repetitively from the electronic device without being damaged. Installation can be done by coupling the anchor strut with the anchor hole, and through magnetic attraction of the ornamental panel to the electronic device. No other elements or tools are needed.

Further scope of applicability of the invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the invention in a use condition, partly cut away.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Refer to FIG. 1 for an exploded view of the invention. The ornamental panel 100 for electronic devices according to the invention has one or more magnetic members 110 on one side that is fastened to the ornamental panel 100 through screw bolts 120, or by bonding through adhesive. The ornamental panel 100 also has anchor struts 130 on the side which where the magnetic member 110 is located. In this embodiment, four anchor struts are provided.

Referring to FIG. 2, the ornamental panel 100 is adopted for use on an electronic device 300 to enhance its appeal. Hence the other side opposite to where the magnetic member 110 is located is formed with a desired profile to give the electronic device 300 a more attractive appearance. The electronic device 300 has an operation area 310. The ornamental panel 100 through the magnetic member 100 attracts precisely the operation area 310. The operation area 310 has four anchor holes 320 to couple with the anchor struts 130. Thereby the ornamental panel 100 can be directly and precisely positioned and anchored without additional alignment to make installation easier.

The operation area 310 may have electronic elements 330 such as indication lights, display screens, button keys or the like. The ornamental panel 100 has openings 140 corresponding to the electronic elements 330 so that it does not cover the electronic elements 330 when attached to the operation area 310, thus enabling users to see or operate the electronic elements 330.

In addition, the electronic device 300 generates heat during operation. To prevent the ornamental panel 100 from hindering heat dissipation, the openings 140 also can facilitate heat dissipation.

By means of the invention, the ornamental panel can be directly attached to the electronic device. Installation is simple. Through the anchor struts, positioning of the ornamental panel can be done precisely without additional alignment. Moreover, the ornamental panel can be removed from and installed on the electronic device repeatedly without causing damage to the ornamental panel or electronic device.

The invention being thus described, it will be obvious that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims. 

1. An ornamental panel for an electronic device which cover an operation area of the electronic device comprising at least one magnetic member on one side of the ornamental panel corresponding to the operation area such that the ornamental panel is attachable securely to the operation area.
 2. The ornamental panel for an electronic device of claim 1 further comprising a screw bolt to thread through the magnetic member to fasten the magnetic member to the one side of the ornamental panel.
 3. The ornamental panel for an electronic device of claim 1, wherein the magnetic member is bonded to the one side of the magnetic panel.
 4. The ornamental panel for an electronic device of claim 1, wherein the ornamental panel has at least one anchor strut on the one side corresponding to the operation area, the operation area having at least one anchor hole to couple with the anchor strut when the ornamental panel is attached to the operation area to precisely anchor the ornamental panel on the operation area.
 5. The ornamental panel for an electronic device of claim 1, wherein the ornamental panel has at least one opening corresponding to the operation area to disperse heat which generated by the electronic device during operation.
 6. The ornamental panel for an electronic device of claim 1, wherein the ornamental panel has at least one opening corresponding to the operation area, the operation area having an electronic element which is operable through the opening.
 7. The ornamental panel for an electronic device of claim 1, wherein the magnetic member is a magnet. 